MELKSHAM’S new Fifth Skate Park will be officially opened on Saturday 23 September, when it hosts one of the events for the Wiltshire Skate Series.

The skate series is part of Wiltshire Council's StreetGames programme which organises youth-led competitive skate events taking place across the county.

Competitions will take place throughout the day in BMX, skateboard, scooter and inline skating, set to the backdrop of a live DJ. Around 60 people, aged between 13 and 25, are expected to attend the event.

The programme is led by a young person forum, which is made up of local young skaters with the support of Wiltshire Council officers.

With four events at different skate parks across the county, the Wiltshire Skate Series encourages volunteering among young people, with judges, skate marshals, DJs and helpers all giving up their time free of charge to ensure the success of the events.

The youth-led model ensures that the project stays current and relevant, which in turn ensures the success and attendance of the events.

John Thomson, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for leisure, said: “We’re delighted to hold this event at the new Melksham Fifth Skate Park.

“This fantastic new facility is already being well used by young people from around the area, and this event will be a superb showcase of their talents. Raising sustained sports participation among hard to reach young people can have a direct impact on their long-term health and wellbeing.

“Our sports development team works in partnership with communities, consulting with young people to provide sport and physical opportunities they will enjoy. This gives the best chance of community engagement and project success.”

The council's health and wellbeing programme in Melksham includes the recently opened state-of-the-art football and rugby facilities at Oakfields, an improved Market Place, which is nearing completion, the provision of a new cricket pavilion, and the development of a new health and wellbeing centre on the Melksham House site.

The StreetGames programme also runs other projects and events, including DoorStep sports clubs; ParkLives, a family park initiative; Fit and Fed, a healthy eating and physical activity programme that addresses hunger during school holidays, and Kick It Out Festivals, a national initiative to combat discrimination.

For more information on Wiltshire’s StreetGames, please contact Danny Geeson, sports development officer, 01225 770248 or daniel.geeson@wiltshire.gov.uk.